Four-game series at Target Field
All games on FSN and 830-AM
Monday, 6:40 p.m.: LHP Martin Perez (1-0, 7.56) vs. RHP Matt Shoemaker (3-0, 0.92)
Tuesday, 6:40 p.m.: RHP Kyle Gibson (0-0, 7.71) vs RHP Aaron Sanchez (1-1, 1.69)
Wednesday, 6:40 p.m.: RHP Jake Odorizzi (0-2, 6.35) vs RHP Trent Thornton (0-1, 4.61)
Thursday, 12:10 p.m.: RHP Michael Pineda (2-0, 3.00) vs RHP Clay Buchholz (0-0, 1.50)
Twins update
At 8-4, the Twins lead the AL Central by 1½ games over Cleveland and Detroit. Last year, their high-water mark was three games over .500, last on April 20. … RF Max Kepler is batting .318 during his 10-game hitting streak. … C Mitch Garver has eight hits in his past 13 plate appearances. … 1B C.J. Cron's home run Sunday had a launch angle of 15 degrees, the lowest at Target Field since Statcast data started in 2015. … The series opener is the first of 14 home games that will start at 6:40 p.m. during select weeknights this season, the result of feedback from season-ticket holders. … As is MLB tradition on April 15, all players will honor Jackie Robinson by wearing his No. 42.
Blue Jays update
Toronto, 20-11 all-time at Target Field, arrives after dropping two of three games at home to Tampa Bay. At 5-11, the Blue Jays have the AL's worst record; they are tied for the fewest victories with the White Sox and Royals. … It's only a matter of time until uber prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is called up, but indications are that the 20-year-old third baseman will not make his debut this week. … LHP Thomas Pannone threw an immaculate inning Sunday, striking out the side on nine pitches in the fifth. … After committing a throwing error Sunday, 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was sent to the minors to work on his defense. Eric Sogard will be called up.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
